It’s a surprising but undeniable fact that only 1% of the population ever complete a marathon because the classic distance of 42.2 kilometres or 26.1 miles is super tough, no matter how you measure it. Yet, it’s a distance that both fascinates and challenges many runners and walkers alike, one that sticks in your mind and poses the gnawing question, can I do this?

So, when looking for the next Kirby challenge to try and raise some funds for The Irish Heart Foundation, the challenge of the classic distance was too hard to resist.

However, this was going to be no ordinary Marathon, to be as inclusive as possible and adhere to COVID guidelines, this marathon would be slightly different.

Colleagues from Kirby were asked to run or walk a virtual Marathon in just one weekend from 20th – 22nd August. Over three days, 60 brave Kirby souls took on the challenge to run a full marathon, and they were about to clock up some big numbers in the process.

The race was run in 6 different countries, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Finland and Sweden.

It’s a fantastic achievement that over the course of 72 hours, the Kirby running crew would amass over 2,532 kilometres in total. That is almost the equivalent of running from the Kirby Dublin Office to Marbella in Spain.

On Monday 23rd August, there were some tired legs and aching muscles, but after all that, the fantastic runners from Kirby had raised a whopping €15,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation. Now that’s what you call going the extra mile!

Kirby Group QEHS Director Ray Ryan said, “The can-do attitude of the people at Kirby never ceases to amaze me, and it makes me immensely proud to see what they are capable of in the pursuit of helping others. Running a marathon in whatever discipline is no mean feat, and to have so many complete the gruelling distance for a fantastic cause is an amazing achievement. Everyone who took part should be immensely proud of themselves, a huge thank you to all who took part.”

The Irish Heart Foundation is the nation’s heart and stroke charity. Their mission is to affect positive change in Irish people’s lifestyles, achieve better outcomes for those affected by heart disease and stroke, and challenge when the health of our nation is put at risk. They empower people to live longer, healthier lives.

“Every year, thousands of people in Ireland are diagnosed with a heart condition or are affected by stroke. We work to educate, support and advocate for those people so they can live well.

“Through the generosity shown by Kirby Group Engineering, we will continue to save lives and support people affected by heart disease and stroke in local communities across Ireland.”

The Irish Heart Foundation is the nation’s heart and stroke charity. Their mission is to affect positive change in Irish people’s lifestyles, achieve better outcomes for those affected by heart disease and stroke, and challenge when the health of our nation is put at risk. They empower people to live longer, healthier lives.

#PeopleFirst